I Captured Passwords on an HTTP Website Using Wireshark (Here’s How)

 Why Websites Using HTTP Are Not Safe: A Wireshark Educational Demo

Have you ever wondered what really happens when you enter your details on a website that doesn’t have the little lock symbol (HTTPS) in the browser?
Most people type in their email, password, or even card details without thinking twice. But what if I told you that with the right tools, those details can be captured in plain text—visible to anyone on the same network?

That’s exactly what I’ll show you in this blog, using Wireshark. Don’t worry, this is purely for educational purposes, not hacking. By the end, you’ll understand why you should never trust HTTP websites with sensitive information.

⚠️ Disclaimer

• This blog is for educational purposes only. Any misuse of Wireshark or other network tools can lead to serious legal consequences.

• I use AI tools for SEO optimization and refining, but the content, ideas, and writing are human-written.|
  
  

What is Wireshark?

Wireshark is one of the most popular network protocol analyzers. It allows you to:

• Capture live network traffic.

• Inspect individual data packets.

• Identify vulnerabilities within a network.

While cybersecurity professionals use Wireshark for legitimate analysis and troubleshooting, hackers can misuse the same knowledge to exploit networks and steal sensitive data. That’s why it’s important to understand how insecure protocols like HTTP can expose users.

Step-by-Step Educational Demonstration

 Reminder: This is only a safe demonstration to help you understand why HTTP should not be trusted.

1. Launch Wireshark

Open your Kali Linux terminal and run:

sudo wireshark

  
    
  

This launches Wireshark with root privileges.

2. Start Capturing Packets

Switch on packet capture in Wireshark. It will begin recording all incoming and outgoing network traffic.

3. Visit a Demo Website

For demonstration, go to: techpanda.org

• This site is designed by developers for testing and educational practices.

• 

• Open the login page, type in some sample data, and hit submit.

• 

4. Stop Capture & Apply Filter

Once done, stop capturing in Wireshark.
In the filter bar, type:

http

  
    
  

This will filter out only HTTP protocol packets.

5. Follow the HTTP Stream

Scroll through the filtered packets → right-click → Follow → HTTP Stream.
Here, you will see the raw data including:

• Form submissions

• Login details (unencrypted)

• Any information typed into the website

Why Does This Happen?

This occurs because HTTP is an outdated protocol. Unlike HTTPS, it does not use encryption or secure cryptographic algorithms during data transfer.

That means:

• Data is sent in plain text.

• Hackers on the same network can easily intercept and read sensitive information.

• Login credentials, personal details, or payment info are all at risk.

The Takeaway 

• Always prefer websites with HTTPS (look for the padlock symbol in the browser).

• Never submit sensitive data on an HTTP-only website.

• Security tools like Wireshark show just how vulnerable unencrypted connections are.

By understanding this, you can stay safer online and appreciate why cybersecurity awareness matters.

 If you found this blog useful, make sure to follow for more updates on Computer Science | Cybersecurity | Ethical Hacking.
Stay ethical. Stay secure. Keep learning.